The ‘79 California Rebuild Thread

Nin · Jul 3, 2020

Outtomunch said:
They are such lovely looking engines aren't they!

Small things matter (well they do to me) ~ I love the rocker protectors, proper period (and what I used to use back in the day).......I'm not a fan of the big, brash modern ally stuff but those are just right for the bike.......you're making me think I should get some for mine now as I'd forgotten about that style

Andres

Surprisingly affordable from Gutsibits, they even had them in stock!

Wait till you see the headlight fitted, that's definitely NOT proper period! Though I quite like it.

(Headlight is all just offered up BTW, chrome rim has been polished and positioned correctly, headlight has been centred oh dear the OCD is back)

Wrinkly · Jul 3, 2020

I'm beginning to wish we'd discussed the 1400 California in more depth. Having said that, I'm not sure I would have wanted to ride this one, from a positive slant you understand.
Great respect to you Nin, it's turning out absolutely beautifully.

Deleted account 211025001 · Jul 3, 2020

Nin said:
.......

Wait till you see the headlight fitted, that's definitely NOT proper period! Though I quite like it.
.................

Yeah, I remember when you got it ~ I like it

Andres

Nin · Jul 3, 2020

Good news - the shocks have been built and are other way; the stainless mudguards are finished at the polishers and are on their way; and a mate is coming round this evening to help me put the frame on.

All set for a busy weekend ...

Deleted account 240831001 · Jul 3, 2020

It’s a work of art and I’m starting to think I need to source a similar headlight for my Laverda.

Nin · Jul 3, 2020

£23 off eBay and really quite nicely put together. Bonkers.

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Lord Snooty · Jul 3, 2020

Nin, you are getting on with this at a fantastic pace, it's hard to keep up! Well done mate, it is keeping us well entertained.

Nin · Jul 3, 2020

hee hee ...

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Deleted account 240831001 · Jul 3, 2020

Nin said:
£23 off eBay and really quite nicely put together. Bonkers.

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Hardly a high value risk if it doesn’t work out right then. I’ll have a look tomorrow

samz · Jul 3, 2020

Outtomunch said:
Defo dome nuts, all the best people have dome nuts on their gearbox

Oh.........and on the subject of 'bling' has sir, per chance, considered an ally alternator cover?

<a href="https://andressotoscastello.smugmug.com/UkGSer/n-5CFLKf/i-jsfN2CJ/A"><img src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jsfN2CJ/0/cd636862/X2/i-jsfN2CJ-X2.jpg" alt=""></a>

Andres

I’ve got an inferiority complex now and need to get some domed bolts! :augie

What size are they? I took one off to measure it (not very acutely admittedly) and it seemed to measure 7mm? I’d have thought either 6 or 8mm more likely?
Advice appreciated.

Nin · Jul 3, 2020

M8 I recall. You can get domed stainless from Boltbase.

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ChasF · Jul 3, 2020

Westfield Fasteners, great service.

samz · Jul 3, 2020

Nin said:
M8 I recall. You can get domed stainless from Boltbase.

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Thanks,

Nin · Jul 3, 2020

Lord Snooty said:
Nin, you are getting on with this at a fantastic pace, it's hard to keep up! Well done mate, it is keeping us well entertained.

Thanks M’lud. Trust you and Lady Snooty are keeping well?

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DrFarkoff · Jul 4, 2020

Nin Just a wee question Do you normally cover your engine over between photo shoots??

Just My OCD kicking in, but when I build an engine?

I close all the ports off with clean rags and put the sparkplugs in to prevent any debris getting into cylinders

Lovely build and great progress

Any moment now I will spring into action and fix my 1200 and R100GS

Lord Snooty · Jul 4, 2020

Nin said:
Thanks M’lud. Trust you and Lady Snooty are keeping well?

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She is well Nin but still stranded in Russia since the end of November last year, she was due to return in March then the COVID pandemic happened, she has had three flights cancelled and now she is waiting for them to recommence if restrictions on travel are lifted in Russia. We hope she will be home mahybe end of July or early August.

Nin · Jul 4, 2020

Ah sorry to hear, though ‘absence makes the heart’ and all that eh?

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Nin · Jul 4, 2020

DrFarkoff said:
Nin Just a wee question Do you normally cover your engine over between photo shoots??

Just My OCD kicking in, but when I build an engine?

I close all the ports off with clean rags and put the sparkplugs in to prevent any debris getting into cylinders

Lovely build and great progress

Any moment now I will spring into action and fix my 1200 and R100GS

Morning Dr

It’s funny you should mention that - I was remarking to myself just a couple of days ago that we’re now at the stage where all the holes need to be plugged up, I don’t want to be dropping anything down one of them!

I’ll take a pic of it when it’s wrapped up for the night.

And maybe you should let me have your 100gs ...

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Nin · Jul 4, 2020

Had a whole day working on the bike today, so made a load of progress.

Swing arm was a mess, paint on all the bearing surfaces, the old races left in, and full of blasting media. So that all got cleaned out and new bearings fitted.